Welcome to your governance and leadership toolbox!

This area of the IASB website is the home of IASB members-only resource kits*. Each toolkit is designed to help board/superintendent teams with your work in specific areas. Toolkits contain resources such as background information, tipsheets, discussion tools, data, checklists, self-assessments, or timelines, depending on the focus.

The toolkits are organized by the major program areas managed by IASB staff experts and aligned to the IASB Standards for Effective School Boards. The standards are based on research and best practices of successful school boards.

You’ll also find contact information for your IASB staff experts, who can help you put the tools into action.

Recently elected to your school board? Congratulations and welcome! We are here to help you succeed. This toolkit provides handy resources to help orient you to your new role and lead effectively for the students in your district.

An effective board/superintendent team with a focus on student learning is essential to the success of your district. These tools help the board/superintendent team clarify roles and responsibilities, develop shared vision and goals, and maximize every board meeting with your mission.

School boards can and do have a positive impact on student achievement. We are here to help you strengthen your governance role for improved instruction and student learning through research, education and data.

Do you have questions about board policy, conflicts of interest, school finance and more? We have answers! IASB staff members respond to member questions daily. We've compiled them in one convenient place to make it easy for you to find answers to your most pressing questions.

Boardsmanship eBooks

IASB offers digital versions of the Board Member Handbook, a reference tool for boards and administrators, and Leadership for Student Learning, which offers insights into the board's role in promoting student achievement. These can also be ordered as paper back versions, from an online book store.